Health Tip of the Month

Now is the time for flu shots

Dr. Ayeni

Dr. Ayeni

Say "boo" to the flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are at high risk and should get vaccinated each year are:

  • Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday.
  • Pregnant women.
  • People 50 years of age and older.
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare workers.

Note: Children under six months should not be vaccinated.

Flu shots available

Backus Health Centers have flu shots available periodically through the flu season. Call them to schedule a flu shot today.

  • Colchester: 537-4601
  • Gales Ferry: 464-3100
  • Montville: 848-1298

Flu clinics have already started and now is an ideal time to protect yourself from the debilitating virus.

Robin Heard, RN, Clinical Coordinator of the Epidemiology Department at Backus Hospital, said November and December are the target months to be vaccinated. It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to the flu shot so it is important to get vaccinated before the flu hits. Typically in Connecticut, flu arrives somewhere in December or January and can run through March.

"As long as the flu vaccine is available, we recommend all children get vaccinated," Ms. Heard said. "Children tend to spread germs that cause the virus because they don't have good hand or respiratory hygiene," Ms. Heard said. "Even middle and high school kids are in close quarters through the winter months, which can spread the flu easily. If we vaccinate our children, we do a lot for the immunity of the community as a whole."

Olawale Ayeni, MD, a Colchester family medicine physician on the Backus Medical Staff, said it is important for people with chronic medical conditions, such as bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes and HIV, to be vaccinated as well, because their immune systems may be compromised.

"It also is important for those in nursing homes to be vaccinated because the flu can spread easily in that population," he said.

Healthcare workers must be vaccinated, because they often care for patients at high risk.

"We should set a good example for others by getting vaccinated ourselves," Dr. Ayeni said.

To help reduce the spread of the flu, you should avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and wash your hands often.